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Ca. 2000 - 1000 BC.A lapis lazuli amulet in the shape of a recumbent bull, with incised striations beneath its body. The bull has a raised head and drilled eye sockets that perhaps once held inlaid ornamentation. In ancient Mesopotamia, lapis lazuli was highly prized and used extensively in jewellery, amulets, seals, and other decorative objects. Its deep blue colour symbolised the heavens and was associated with the divine.Size: 20mm x 15mm; Weight: 5gProvenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014, acquired in 2008 from a UK private collection formed in the 1970s to 1990s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Roman Period, 30 BC - AD 200. A grasshopper amulet, carved from translucent quartz, modelled round and pierced for suspension. The piece features naturalistic details, especially in the wings and muzzle. Size: 50mm x 15mm; Weight: 10g Provenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Christie's, 13 Dec. 2002, Ancient Jewelry, Lot 534. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Late to Ptolemaic Period, Ca. 664 - 30 BC. An amulet of a crowned Horus with the body of a cicada, made of jade and perforated on the back. The fly amulet, known as the "Tyet" or "Knot of Isis," was one of the many types of protective amulets used by the ancient Egyptians. It is often depicted as a stylised knot, resembling the shape of a fly or butterfly. Size: 20mm x 10mm; Weight: 1g Provenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Guerlind Corp., Boulevard Royal 1, Luxemburg, Grand-Duche de Luxembourg, 2009. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

New Kingdom, Ca. 1550 - 1069 BC.An elegant blue faience amulet depicting the goddess Hathor. She is depicted in bull form, with the solar symbol between her long horns. Enveloped in a brilliant, azure-hued glaze intended to represent the waters of the Nile, the amulet features thick black pigment delineating the brow and pupil. Symbolic of health and healing, the bull is one of the oldest Egyptian symbols. In ancient Egypt, the bull goddess Hathor controlled the skies, the sun, and the moon. Size: 52mm x 50mm; Weight: 50gProvenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Eric Strobel private collection. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Late Period, Ca. 664 - 332 BC. A set of glass and carnelian stone pendants restrung on a modern thread, featuring a variety of colours and types. The central piece is a cobalt blue double horn amulet, flanked by an assortment of poppy and eye beads. The arrangement is completed with yellow and blue rosettes at either end. For similar see: Andrews C., The Amulets of Ancient Egypt, fig. 65. Size: 5.6-16.2mm x 4.1-17.3mm; Weight: 3.17g Provenance: Prince collection, 1990s-2014; Ex. Private collection 1970s-1990s.

A Chinese Carved Soapstone Dragon Amulet, 18cms Wide

TWO ASANTE/ASHANTI TALISMANIC ITEMS comprising a small pouch amulet wrapped in leather of Islamic tradition from Ghana, hung on a knotted cotton chain suitable for a child's neck, contents of amulet unknown, a possible headgear item adorned with packed amulets in the style of northern Ghanian/Malian tribal groups (2) (Condition Report: loss to the leather pouches, one pouch appears to have loose stitching and contents appear to contain dust/ash)

two Dayak amulet sculptures in wood with typical anthropomorphic featuresINDONESIË / BORNEO lot van twee oude Dayak - amuletten in hout met typisch gestileerde antropomorfe vormgeving : "Zittende figuur" - hoogtes : 12 en 13 cm - telkens gemonteerd

An antique cut crystal amulet in the form of a dolphin, probably Indian late Mughal 18th - early 19th century or possibly earlier, 3 1/4" long.

A well carved hard stone amulet of Jemdet Nasr type in the form of a seated lion, probably Sumerian circa 2500BC., (purchased by the present vendor at Dominic Winter Auctions).

A MIXED LOT OF COSTUME JEWELLERY, 20TH CENTURY. To include a pair of green glass earrings, peacock drop earrings, white base metal loop earrings, white metal fan earrings, base metal whistle, Thai Buddha amulet. Plus pierced base metal gilded belt with bird buckle, length 86cms. (7) Provenance: From the estate of a prominent Peranakan family, Khoo Sian Ewe (1886 - 1964), thence by descent.

A TIBETAN WHITE METAL AND COPPER GAU BOX, EARLY 20TH CENTURY. Of circular form with central Buddha encased in an amulet box. Fitted in a silk embroidered carrying case with strap and gilt buttons. Box approx. 9.5cm diam.

A Sassanian cornelian amulet, 2nd - 3rd century A.D., in the form of a seated ram, together with certificate of authenticity 3.5cm long, 2.9cm high, 1.5cm wide

A Mesopotamian black stone lion stamp seal amuletLate Uruk-Jemdet Nasr Period, circa 3300-2900 B.C.5.6cm wideFootnotes:Provenance:European art market, 1990s.Private collection, USA, acquired 1999.Stamp seals and cylinder seals were extremely personal objects indicative of social status and individual taste. As visible on the present lot, they were pierced vertically for suspension from a cord, likely hung around the owner's neck or fastened among their personal effects. The design engraved onto the reverse of a seal pertained to the owner alone and its impression was stamped onto surfaces in place of a signature; this lot is engraved with three quadrupeds, with shapes in the field. Cf. an example in green calcite in the British Museum, London, which has a similar large head and crouching, foreshortened body (acc. no. 1929,0715.22).This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A large Egyptian turquoise faience amulet of BastetThird Intermediate Period-Late Period, circa 1150-332 B.C.8.8cm highFootnotes:Provenance:Friedrich Wilhelm von Bissing (1873-1956) collection, Munich, inv. no. F 488.with Jock Francken (1906-1994), Munich.Resandro collection, Europe, acquired 23 October 1979 from the above (R-383, HA 246).Published:S. Schoske and D. Wildung, Gott und Götter im Alten Ägypten, 1992, Mainz am Rhein, 1992, pp.138-139, no. 97 (identified as Tefnut).I. Grimm-Stadelmann (ed.), Aesthetic Glimpses, Masterpieces of Ancient Egyptian Art, The Resandro Collection, Munich, 2012, p.103, no. R-383.Exhibited:Berlin, Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung; Berlin, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin; Munich, Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst Munchen; Hamburg, Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg, Gott und Götter im Alten Ägypten, 1992-1993.Identification of lion-headed goddesses, when in amuletic form and without identifying inscriptions, is notoriously difficult, but the kitten that surmounts the goddess's head here invokes the fertility most associated with Bastet, the goddess adored as a goddess of fecundity and often depicted in the form of a seated cat. Cf. a similarly-sized example in C. Andrews, Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p.34, pl. 30c, depicting a lion-headed goddess carrying a wedjet-eye at his chest, and named on the back-pillar as Bastet.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

An Egyptian haematite amulet of a seated catLate Period, 26th Dynasty, circa 664-525 B.C.2.4cm highFootnotes:Provenance:Miss Agnes Barclay collection, ca. 1920-1940, UK; and thence by descent.Private collection, New York, late 1990s.New York art market, 2017.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

Antiquities - Erotic Roman alloy 'priapus' amulet or pendant, modelled with twin phallic motifs, signs of patina and age commensurate with age and burial, 36mm long, 15g approx

A Thai Pong Roop Muean pottery amulet. 3.7 x 2.3cm, and three other Thai amulets. (4)

Terry Pratchett, The Carpet People, signed and numbered collectors edition, together with four other signed works, Tash Aw, The Harmony Silk Factor, Jonathan Stroud, The Amulet of Samarkand, Underground London, Stephen Smith, Rio Ferdinand " sides, , with a group of nine Folio Society volumes, to include two works by Dylan Thomas, Under Milkwood and JM Barrie Peter Pan, with illustrations by Paula Rego (14)

Two silver sovereign holders, cut glass and silver mounted inkwell, vesta case, pill box, hexagonal pepperette and small white metal and gilt box the interior with a hinged glass lens, contains key,and a white metal amulet

Egypt Amulet Duamutef, Bronze cast, verdis gris, two eylets, late periode 7.-3. B.C.E., 4 cm longThe hammer price will go directly to the social help of the Caritas of Vienna, Provenance; estate found Erzdiozese Wien.

Egypt Ram Amulet, ceramic glazed , eylet later periode, length 2,8 cm The hammer price will go directly to the social help of the Caritas of Vienna, Provenance; estate found Erzdiozese Wien.

Egypt Bronze Amulet, Anubis and Chnum, round plate with extension, cast with original patina, Ptolomeic periode, size 3x2,3cm The hammer price will go directly to the social help of the Caritas of Vienna, Provenance; estate found Erzdiozese Wien.

Egypt stone amulet, in heart shape black and greenish gry collours sculpted, ptolemaic periode length 2,5cm The hammer price will go directly to the social help of the Caritas of Vienna, Provenance; estate found Erzdiozese Wien.

ITEM: 'Manu fica' amuletMATERIAL: FaienceCULTURE: Roman, EgyptPERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.DDIMENSIONS: 20 mm x 8 mmCONDITION: Good conditionPROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.The Roman manu fica amulet, also known as the "fig sign" or "fig-shaped hand" amulet, was a powerful and widely used symbol of protection in Roman society. Shaped to resemble a fist with the thumb placed between the index and middle fingers, the gesture is often associated with warding off the evil eye, a common belief in ancient Roman and Mediterranean cultures. The manu fica symbol was believed to protect the wearer from jealousy, misfortune, and the malevolent gaze of others, often serving as a talisman to keep away bad luck or curses. This gesture was so significant that it appeared not only in amulet form but also in various other objects like rings, pendants, and pottery, reflecting its widespread cultural importance.The use of the manu fica amulet was prevalent in both personal and public contexts. Roman soldiers, for example, often wore these amulets as protective charms during battles and long journeys, seeking divine or supernatural aid against the dangers they faced. Wealthy individuals and aristocrats also utilized these amulets to safeguard themselves from the negative effects of envy or malicious gossip, which were believed to be potent forces in Roman society. The manu fica was not only used as a protective device but also as a statement of defiance against misfortune, reflecting the Roman emphasis on resilience and control over external forces.The manu fica gesture itself, with its thumb between the index and middle fingers, was a form of folk magic that crossed cultural boundaries, appearing in Greek, Roman, and later European traditions. In Roman times, the amulet was often worn in everyday life and incorporated into a range of jewelry and personal items. In addition to its protective function, the manu fica could also be used as a sign of fertility or a symbol of good luck.

Pair of Jade Amulet Animal Carvings, each approx 3" x 2".

CHINESE JADE AMULET, LATE 19TH / EARLY 20TH CENTURY carved in the form of a bamboo branch, with a Phoenix finial and a scarab beetle on reverse7.5cm longQty: 33gAdditional images added

A pair of hand carved believed Chinese jadeite hardstone temple vases, along with a similar jadeite amulet. Each featuring hand carved scrolled & face design.Tallest measures approx. 9.5cm tall.

An 18th century Hindu alabaster figure amulet of the Elephant god Ganesh / Ganesha. The figure with gilt highlights & seated on iron red stand in sukhasana pose.Measures approx. 10.5cm tall.

Egyptian cat amulet, carved from jasper, dates back to the Late Period to Ptolemaic Period (664-30 B.C.). The amulet showcases a seated cat, an animal highly revered in ancient Egyptian culture and closely associated with the goddess Bastet, a symbol of home protection, fertility, and grace. H: 3cm 

This finely crafted Ancient Egyptian bird-shaped amulet is made from reddish-orange agate, dating back to the New Kingdom period (1550-1070 B.C.). This amulet reflects the deep spiritual and cultural significance of animal symbolism in ancient Egyptian belief systems. Amulets like this were thought to provide protection and good fortune to the wearer, particularly through the revered imagery of birds, often linked to deities or the afterlife. L: 2.8cm 

An Egyptian amulet made from banded agate, depicting a seated cat, a symbol of protection and fertility in ancient Egypt, closely associated with the goddess Bastet. This delicate artifact, dating to the Late Period to Ptolemaic Period (664-30 B.C.). H: 2cm 

A vibrant blue-glazed amulet represents the falcon-headed god Horus, one of the most significant deities in ancient Egyptian mythology, symbolising protection, kingship, and power. Dating to the Late New Kingdom to the Third Intermediate Period (circa 1300-700 B.C.). H: 4.5cm 

A black stone scarab amulet dates back to the Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C. The scarab is a powerful symbol of rebirth and protection in ancient Egyptian culture, often associated with the god Khepri, who was believed to push the sun across the sky. The scarab features detailed carving on the base with hieroglyphic inscriptions. L: 2.5cm 

EGYPTIAN TURQUOISE FAIENCE AMULET OF A CAT, CIRCA 664-332 BC Provenance: Private UK Collection  L: 3cm 

This elegant Egyptian amulet, carved from translucent agate, depicts a seated cat and dates back to the Late Period to Ptolemaic Period (664-30 B.C.). The amulet captures the grace and poise of the cat, an animal revered in ancient Egyptian culture as a symbol of protection, fertility, and grace. Cats were associated with the goddess Bastet, protector of the home. L: 2.8cm   

Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Carved with integral ribbed loop to the reverse; unfinished. Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, pl.81(c). 4.4 grams, 31 mm (1 1/4 in.).with Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France. From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France. Acquired at between 2004-2010. Property of a French collector.This ancient amulet represents two ostrich feathers or shuty. Interestingly, these feathers were also present on the Atef crown of Osiris, the god of the afterlife and the dead. This suggests the amulet was believed to imbue the wearer with Osiris's divine power and protection.

1st millennium B.C. and later. Composed mainly of oblate and annular beads, restrung to a Y-shape with a central irregular pendant amulet. 36 grams, 37 cm (14 5/8 in.). [No Reserve]Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.

Late Period, circa 664-332 B.C. Head from a statuette of Harpocrates, wearing the Pschent crown fronted by uraeus, sporting the large plaited sidelock above the right ear. Cf. Roeder, G., Ägyptische Bronzefiguren II, Berlin, 1956, pl.15e, for a similar head on a complete statuette. 86.5 grams, 60 mm (2 3/8 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.Harpocrates is the Greek rendering of the Egyptian Hor-pa-khered, meaning 'Horus the Child'. This title refers to Horus as the divine infant of Isis and Osiris. Wearing the amulet of Harpocrates was believed to offer the same protection that Isis gave her beloved son.

1st millennium B.C. Modelled in the half-round with grotesque features and fierce teeth exposed; reverse with low-relief engraved image of Lamashtu advancing holding a trident. Cf. British Museum, Splendours of Mesopotamia, London, 2011, p.203, cat.180, for similar. 26 grams, 36 mm (1 3/8 in.).From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12253-221916.In Babylonian mythology the demon Pazuzu was the son of the god Hanpa. His consort, the demon Lamaštu, carried fever and preyed upon children and pregnant women. She could be neutralised with appropriate spells and amulets, which also protected against other demons. For this reason, women wore an amulet with the effigy of Pazuzu around their necks during pregnancy.

Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C. The goddess dressed in a long tight-fitting tunic to her ankles, standing with her left leg forward, her straight arms descending to her thighs; vulture headgear surmounted two long feathers; dorsal pillar with hieroglyphic text; repaired. 50 grams, 14 cm (5 1/2 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]Private collection Mr E. Saad, Cairo, Egypt-Montreux, Switzerland, 1970s. Ex private collection of Mr S.A., acquired from Mr Saad in 1997.In ancient Egyptian mythology, Isis was the sister-wife of Osiris and the mother of the sky god Horus. She is associated with aspects of fertility and motherhood. This amulet unusually depicts her with a two-plumed crown, which may associate her with the goddess Sothis.

Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Amuletic model of a stonemason's plummet. Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p. 85, pl.87a, for a similar haematite example. 2.38 grams, 25 mm (1 in.).with Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France. From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France. Acquired at between 2004-2010. Property of a French collector.The stonemason’s plumb bob amulet was most frequently made of a dark hardstone like this example and paired with a set-square amulet. Plummet amulets were thought to grant their owner everlasting balance and harmony.

Third Intermediate Period-Late Period, 1069-332 B.C. Sizeable and finely detailed Eye of Horus, wedjat, with both falcon and human elements, traces of gilding in places, and two suspension loops on the top. 18.8 grams, 46 mm (1 7/8 in.).From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.This finely carved wedjat-eye amulet is a representation of the healed eye of the god Horus, featuring both human and falcon elements. The name wedjat in ancient Egyptian means ‘the one that is sound.’ According to Egyptian mythology, Horus' eye was wounded or taken by the god Seth and restored by Thoth. The wedjat-eye amulet was thought to protect its wearer and bestow the power of recovery and regeneration onto them. It was very popular and used by both the living and the dead.

9th-11th century A.D. or earlier. Decorated sheet gold sleeve, hoof-shaped stone mounted in the socket; loop absent. 0.18 grams, 10 mm (3/8 in.). [No Reserve]Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock: sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period.

Early 2nd millennium B.C. Polished stone fragment with frieze depicting a seated ruler wearing a floor-length robe, one arm raised and bent towards a standing figure with tight-fitting ankle-length garment; pierced at the upper edge; re-used as a pendant or amulet(?). 10.5 grams, 38 mm (1 1/2 in.).From the collection of Mr S.M., London, UK, formed from 1979-1999.

6th-7th century A.D. Bifacial amulet with chipped rim; obverse: St George with cross on horseback overcoming a dragon; reverse: mary and Infant Jesus flanked by angels. 5.4 grams, 28 mm (1 1/8 in.).From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Late Period, 664-332 B.C. The seated figure of a duck(?), its small carefully rendered head with internally detailed eyes; a transverse suspension hole through its folded wings. Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p.61, pl.60b, for a duck amulet, considered to represent a food offering or a symbol of resurrection. 1.35 grams, 13 mm (1/2 in.). [No Reserve]From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Carved in the round reed boat with ram-headed prow, altar amidships surmounted by a horned sun disc and flanked by two baboons standing in adoration; repaired. Cf. Reisner, G.A., Catalogue général des antiquités égyptiennes du Musée du Caire, Nos.5218-6000 et 12001-12527, Vol. I, Amulets, Cairo, 1907, p.158 (no. CG12263) and pl.XX, for a smaller amulet of a similar format. 10.4 grams, 55 mm (21/8 in.).From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.This represents a condensed version of a two-dimensional funerary scene of the sun god Re, here represented by the horned disc, in his solar barque, flanked by baboons in an attitude of praise. The boat's ram-headed prow possibly alludes to Re's transformation into a ram during his night-time journey through the Underworld.

Circa 1000 B.C. With exceptional eye detailing carved in low-relief to one face. Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Amulets. Illustrated by the Egyptian Collection in University College, London, 1914, pl. XXV, no. 138z, for a wedjat-eye amulet of similar style. 1.64 grams, 19 mm (3/4 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, formed between 1950-1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an old collection inventory note.The wedjat-eye amulet is a representation of the healed eye of the god Horus, featuring both human and falcon elements. The name wedjat in ancient Egyptian means ‘the one that is sound.’ According to Egyptian mythology, Horus' eye was wounded or taken by the god Seth and restored by Thoth. The wedjat-eye amulet was thought to protect its wearer and bestow the power of recovery and regeneration onto them. It was very popular and used by both the living and the dead.

9th-11th century A.D. or earlier. Comprising a D-shaped gold cap with arched recesses to each flat face, integral loop above, inset crystal bead with reserved pellet eyes. 0.59 grams, 14 mm (1/2 in.).Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.This amulet was believed to offer protection against 'Elfshot'. The attack of elves was believed responsible for mysterious suffering in men and livestock: sudden shooting pains localised to a particular area of the body, such as in rheumatism, arthritis or muscle stitches or cramps. Elves were thought to shoot darts or arrows where such pains had no obvious external cause. Belief in elfshot persisted into the 20th century in rural areas, and as proof country folk would sometimes find small arrowheads (the remains of Neolithic or Mesolithic flints, or naturally-occurring spear-shaped stones) that were believed to be the magical weapons that caused the afflictions. Belief in elfshot began in the Pagan Germanic period.

1st millennium B.C. and later. Composed of mainly oblate beads with a central feature comprising a small amulet bead, restrung. 9.85 grams, 37.5 cm (14 3/4 in.). [No Reserve]Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.

Mainly Late Period, 664-332 B.C. Comprising tubular and ring beads, wedjat-eye amulets, Bes amulets, scarabs, a Khnum amulet, a shabti, and others. 44 grams total, 3-47 mm (1/8 - 1 3/4 in.). [64, No Reserve]From the private collection of H. Norry, 1980s-1990s.

Hermes necklace amulet diamond pink gold jewelry pendantThis item is shipped from Japan.Freight:1.International Freight: Foreign shipping charges are determined by destination.2.Photos, descriptions and valuations have been meticulously prepared by fully certified expert judgment and appraisers. 3.In rare cases, the item does not match the description in the auction, Hans Auction experts will help you, please notify Hans Auction within 5 days of receiving the item.45.Check Shipping, Payment and Auction Policies for more details.

A group of three Middle Eastern jambiyas, each with typical curved blade, length of longest blade 23cm, with white metal mounted horn grips and white metal and plated metal scabbards, each with suspension belts, one mounted with hirz or amulet holders (active rust to two of the blades, overall some losses and damage).

An early South African rhino horn amulet acquired from an official Iron Age / Bronze Age archaeological dig at Gauteng, circa 1971, 4.8 cm x 1.8 cm, approx 11.6 g

Amulet or Prayer Roll against Disease and Demons.- Incipient nomine sancta Jhesu Christi, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, in a neat cursive hand, 86 lines, title in red, 11 2-line and 1-line initials in red and blue, cross signs in red, dark stain affecting 17 lines but still legible, slightly creased, small tears at tail not affecting text, E.P. Goldsmidt & Co. bookseller's description accompanying, 390 x 105mm., [France], [?late 14th or early 15th century]. *** An extremely rare Amulet, or Prayer Roll, worn wrapped around the arm as protection against the dangers of childbirth, maladies, sorcery and any other sorts of danger. This specimen begins "Incipient nomina sancta Jhesu Christi", followed by a string of names: "Messiahs"; "Sother";"Emmanuel"; "Saboath" etc. There follow eight further sections, some with headings specifying the disease against which help is sought ("contra fluxum sanguinis, Oratio Sci Sigismundi regis et martyris contra febresi...). The fourth section is to protect a woman in childbirth ("Si mulier laboret in partu", she is to put this "Breve" under right breast "et illico deo auxilliante liberabit se"). In section five the names of the "Seven Sleepers" are given as a magic formula, perhaps to induce sleep. For more on our roll and late medieval amulet rolls in general see Don C. Skemer (Curator of Manuscripts, Princeton University Library) 'Amulet Rolls and female devotion in the late Middle Ages' in Scriptorium, Vol.55, No.2, 2001, pp.197-227. Provenance: E.P. Goldschmidt & Co., of 45 New Bond Street, [c.1938-1940]; Private American collection.  

A SILVER 'SNAIL' POMANDER, PROBABLY SOUTH GERMAN, 17TH CENTURY the animal's head poking out from the bottom of its shell, the sides hinged from the base, one side pierced to retain an aromatic sponge and engraved to interior '.M.K.', the other solid side with concentric ribs concealing an interior originally with four dividers (lacking) for spices, two engraved 'P[o]urri' and 'Negel', with suspension ring, 3cm longProvenance: dug up in the 1960s by the vendor's father on his allotment just outside Brighton, close to the Brighton to London road.Pomanders were often suspended from the wearer's neck or girdle, used to hold scents and spices, also sometimes functioning as an amulet, warding against plague and other ‘miasma’ borne diseases. Although occasionally modelled as a skull or die, the normal pomander form is round, with compartments like orange segments. Snail pomanders are rarer, the form symbolic: ‘The ability of the snail to withdraw into its protective shell at times of danger or hardship resulted in its becoming the symbol of spring and resurrection. We know of the apotropaic use of snail amulets when plague was rife.’ (Launert, Edmund ‘Perfume and Pomanders: Scent and Scent Bottles through the Ages’, Potterton Books Ltd., 1987, p.22). See three similar silver snail pomanders held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, catalogued as 'scent cases' (Accession Nos.M.805-1926, M.806-1926 and M.128-1929) and one sold Sotheby's, London, 7 June 2007, lot 107.

An Omani silver amulet with four coins. With rows of inscription, full length 39cm, diameter 7.5cm.

An Omani silver circular amulet/necklace. With inscriptions, diameter 7.8cm.

An Omani silver rectangular amulet with chain. Total length 84cm, amulet 8.5 x 4.5cm.